As the final seven players were named to each team, the first thought, and likely many had, was why the heck did that player make it and this player didn't? That was a resonating theme for me, especially when it came to Team USA. To put my writing where my mouth was, I came up with the below team. I am sure I left some out and the line combinations can be tweaked, but let me know who you had and if you think this team could contend:
Forwards:
Taylor Hall-Ryan O'Reilly-Corey Perry Phil Kessel- Tyler Johnson-Kyle Okposo Boone Jenner-Alex Galchenyuk-Kyle Palmieri Sam Reinhart-Mikael Backlund-Brendan Gallagher
Extra: Wayne Simmonds, Logan Couture, Marcus Johnasson or Robby Fabbri
Defense:
Mark Giordano-P.K. Subban Kris Letang-Brent Seabrook Justin Faulk-John Klingberg
Extra: Kevin Shattenkirk or Keith Yandle or Nick Leddy or Torey Krug or Cam Fowler
Goalies:
Martin Jones Brian Elliot Roberto Luongo
It's amazing the amount of talent in the NHL that a snub list like this could be put together. I could see a defensive/penalty kill specialist added a forward and more of a defensive defenseman added to the blueline. Between the pipes, maybe Cam Talbot off his World Championships performance.
Let me know what you think.